Devil`s Night Haunts Detroit

DETROIT — Tens of thousands of Detroiters took to the streets Tuesday night to patrol their city and reclaim Halloween eve from arsonists who have tried to turn it into an orgy of lawlessness.

But the unwelcome Devil`s Night tradition raged on, as flames claimed several structures, including some occupied homes in scattered neighborhoods. Some city workers said the fires seemed worse than last year, but Charlie Williams, coordinator of the city`s Devil`s Night task force, expressed optimism that the numbers would be lower.

Williams said city officials would not release any numbers until after the three-day Halloween period.

The areas worst hit appeared to be east side neighborhoods, just north and south of Jefferson Avenue, where smoke suffused the air and residents gathered on sidewalks.